The next phase of this work includes integrating these foundational rules into the broader WTO system.
Once in force the rules would be relevant to issues such as helping protect Australians online, and supporting Australian businesses in accessing new markets, simplifying transactions, creating improved certainty and lowering costs for online trade.
Australian industry representatives have welcomed these developments. President of the Australian Services Roundtable, Holly Dorber, highlighted Australia’s “dedicated global leadership to launch the WTO into the digital age”.
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“For all businesses, and especially Australian small- and medium-sized enterprises, this deal will reduce the cost and complexity of international commerce and support trust and security for consumers.”
The Global Services Coalition and Asia Pacific Services Coalition said that a deal on e-commerce “will be the defining 21st century moment for the multilateral trading system and not a minute too soon for global economic development, MSME revival and jobs growth.”
Australia continues to encourage all WTO members to join this pioneering baseline of digital trade rules with global reach.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
